Quadro 3D takes on Piaggio MP3

Has the Piaggio MP3 had it too good for too long? The three-wheeled tilting scooter market is about to become a little more populated thanks to the European introduction of the Quadro 3D.

But there's a twist to this tale - and it's called the Quadro 4D.

While the Quadro 3D makes use of the same high-traction concept as the Piaggio MP3, a scooter with twin parallel wheels at the front end that tilt when cornering thanks to a special cantilever design, it's the Quadro 4D that really captures the imagination.

Boasting four wheels, two at the front and two at the rear - with both sets able to tilt while cornering - the Quadro 4D looks a little freaky but has the potential to be a lot of fun. Check out the video at the bottom of the page for a little taster.

Italy-based Quadro Technologies and Marabese Design are the companies behind the new vehicles, which will be officially unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, kicking off in November.

Both models use HTS, or the 'hydraulic tilting system' which appears to be similar to the Piaggio MP3's setup. And that should come as no surprise considering that Marabese Design helped Piaggio with the original MP3 design.

Engine sizes will be 350cc for the trike and 500cc for the quad, both single cylinder units, and though most details are still being kept under wraps, it has been reported that the Quadro 3D will weigh 194kg dry, and the Quadro 4D will weigh around 240kg dry. The fun-to-weight ratio is promising.

The Italian company plans on launching the Quadro 3D and 4D in 2011 and has outlined a strategy to roll out a raft of other models, such as hybrid and electric versions of the scooters, over the next few years.

As yet there is no word on an Australian release, nevertheless it will be interesting to see if Piaggio fires a return salvo with a four-wheeler of its own.

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